Jack went to South Brunswick State School to Grade 6. Then he went to Brunswick Technical School for 2 years.
When Jack was 14 the Great Depression started. Jack started to help out his parents to feed and support his 3 brothers.
When Jack was 18 World War 2 started. He enlisted in 1941. Jack’s basic training was located through different states.
Jack’s Battalion had to sail on a live stock transport vehicle. It had Bad hygiene. They didn’t have the best food and boys refused to eat. There was a supply of flour on the boat so they lived on ‘dough boys’ for 5 days.
Jack’s Battalion was sent to New Guinea. In the swamp area of Merauke Jack taught young natives how to use the machine guns. Communication was difficult as they didn’t speak any English.
The young natives were so grateful they presented Jack with a stuffed baby crocodile they caught and stuffed themselves.
Jack stayed in the land of the Kia Kia natives. He stayed there for another 12-14 months then returned to the main land for a rest.
Jack met his wife Dorothy on a blind date.
After Jack was discharged from the army in 1947. he started his own trucking business.
They were married for just over 64 years. They brought up their children in their Yarraville house.
Jack and Dorothy had 4 Children, 9 Grandchildren and & Great Grandchildren.
Jack retired on a Army pension at the age of 60. Together they lived in an aged care home. They had a lot of happy memories together.
Thank you Jack!
Krissy and Dallas Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg met Jack Gilham at the William Hall Hostel, July/August 2014 as part of the ‘Stories of My life Project’
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